Council approves second reading of Northwest Natural franchise ordinance

Mount Angel’s city council conducted the second reading and approved an ordinance granting Northwest Natural Gas a nonexclusive gas utility franchise.

Staff told the council the city discovered during a public records review that its prior franchise with Northwest Natural had expired in 2021; attorneys and staff negotiated a replacement agreement and recommended the ordinance be adopted to set the franchise terms, conditions and compensation. A councilor moved to conduct the second reading and the council approved the ordinance by roll call.

The ordinance text says it repeals any conflicting prior ordinances and fixes compensation and terms for the new franchise. Staff said the action restores an operating franchise the council believed had expired; no amendment to the ordinance was recorded during the meeting. The council voted 'Aye' on the measure during roll call and the second‑reading adoption completed the council’s local approval step.